The Mizoram government has directed hotels, homestays, guest houses and other accommodation providers to strictly comply with new requirements for reporting foreign nationals staying in the northeastern Indian state under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

The directive was issued following a meeting on the Protected Area Permit (PAP) and implementation of the new immigration law on September 12. The government reminded accommodation providers that they are legally required to maintain prescribed details of all foreign nationals staying at their premises, including Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) passport holders.

According to Times of India, the requirement has been introduced under Section 8 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, read with Rule 17 of the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025. Accommodation providers must electronically submit details of foreign guests through Form III, which has replaced the earlier Form C.

The rule covers a wide range of establishments, including hotels, guest houses, homestays, hostels, rented accommodation, paying guest facilities, inns, motels, clubs, rest houses, and religious institutions, as well as trusts and similar organizations providing accommodation.

Details of a foreign guest must be submitted electronically to the registration officer through the designated online portal within 24 hours of the guest's arrival. Accommodation providers are also required to submit the guest's departure details electronically within 24 hours of the person leaving the premises.

The Mizoram government has asked establishments to obtain the user ID and password required to access the Form III portal and ensure that the login credentials remain available to the person responsible for reporting foreign guests.

Authorities warned that failure to comply with the statutory requirements could lead to action under the new law. Non-submission of information in violation of Section 8 of the Act and Rule 17 of the 2025 Rules constitutes an offence, with a compounding amount of Rs 50,000 specified per case under Section 25 of the Act.

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